Sensory stimulation device for child

ABSTRACT

The sensory stimulation device for a child is a crib-mounted system that provides aural, visual and olfactory stimulation for a child. The system includes a housing, which is adapted for mounting within the crib. A front wall of the housing has a screen mounted thereto, with the screen displaying a user-selectable image. The system further includes a microphone and at least one speaker in communication with a recording medium, allowing the user to selectively record and play back audio for the child. Further, the housing includes a scent chamber for receiving a scent producing material. The scent producing material generates scented air, which is pumped, under user control, through a port formed through the housing for delivery to the child. The system may further include a telephone interface, allowing for remote actuation and programming of the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/791,898, filed Apr. 14, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electronic audio-visual devices, andparticularly to a sensory stimulation device for a child, which is acrib-mounted system for providing aural, visual and olfactorystimulation for a child. Particularly, a sensory stimulation routine maybe programmed by the user, and may be actuated remotely through atelephone line.

2. Description of the Related Art

Sensory stimulation devices for infants and children typically include avisual stimulus, often in the form of illuminated lights ormulti-colored objects, or an audio stimulus, typically in the form ofprerecorded audio clips. Such systems are typically preprogrammed andgenerate light patterns following a preprogrammed routine, or play audioclips or music repetitively. Infant-and child stimulation systemstypically do not provide for user programmable audio or visual stimuli,thus preventing parents or other caregivers from controlling theparticular stimulus delivered to the child. Further, children oftenrespond in favorable ways to the voice of a parent, or other caregiver,due to the familiarity of the particular audio tones. Mass producedstimulation systems providing prerecorded audio clips are not capable ofgenerating a similar reaction in a child or infant.

Further, such stimulation systems typically do not also includeolfactory stimulation, which the parent or other caregiver may wish toprovide to the child. It would be preferable to provide a childstimulation device capable of stimulating the child's senses beyond onlyaudio and visual stimulation. Additionally, it would be preferable toprovide a programmable stimulation system, allowing the user to controlwhich types of stimulation the child receives, and further control thetime and duration of the stimulation. Typical sensory stimulationsystems are actuated by the child, through pressing of a button or thelike, mounted on the system, and do not provide much programmablefunctionality or variety.

Additionally, conventional sensory stimulation systems typically includelocal interfaces, often in the form of a control panel mounted directlyto the system housing. Such systems do not provide for remote actuationof the sensory stimulation device. Further, children and infants areoften soothed and comforted by the voices of their parents. It would bedesirable to provide a remotely actuated system that could furthertransmit a voice from the remotely located user to the crib-mountedsystem, in order to soothe the child.

In addition to sensory stimulation and association exercises, visualarticles, such as mobiles, are often mounted above an infant's crib inorder to lull the infant to sleep. However, such articles offer noassociation (visual, auditory or otherwise) between the child and thechild's parents. When absent, parents may wish to further foster theirchild's association with themselves, which is not possible with typicalcrib-mounted visual articles.

Additionally, conventional infant stimulators, such as decorativemobiles, are limited in use to children of a particular age. It would bedesirable to provide a multifunctional stimulation system, which canboth receive visual and auditory media which is variable and dependentupon age and interest, and can further be mounted to support surfacesexternal to a crib environment.

When a child is placed in a crib, and the parents leave the room, thechild may become restless and unable to sleep due to separation anxiety.The parent may have left the child with a babysitter, or may otherwisebe unable to re-enter the room to comfort the child. A device that iscapable of presenting a comforting or familiar image, together with thesound and scent of the parent, that is capable of remote access, andthat can be mounted on the crib, may serve to stimulate and comfort thechild sufficiently to quiet the child and induce the child to sleep. Nosuch device is currently known. Thus, a sensory stimulation device for achild solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The sensory stimulation device for a child is a crib-mounted system thatprovides aural, visual and olfactory stimulation for a child. The systemincludes a housing, which is adapted for mounting within the crib. Asupport is mounted to a rear wall of the housing for supporting thehousing on an upper horizontal rail of the crib. The housing may,alternatively, be mounted exterior to the crib on any suitable supportsurface.

A front wall of the housing has a screen mounted thereto, with thescreen displaying a user-selectable image. Preferably, the screen ismounted within an opening formed through the front wall, and ispivotally mounted thereto, allowing the screen to selectively rock backand forth within the housing. The screen may include an imprinted imageor, alternatively, may be a flat panel display screen capable ofgenerating animated video. A light source may be provided forselectively illuminating the screen.

The system further includes a microphone and at least one speaker incommunication with a recording medium, allowing the user to selectivelyrecord and play back audio for the child. Further, the housing includesa scent chamber for receiving a scent producing material. The scentproducing material generates scented air, which is pumped, under usercontrol, through a port formed through the housing for delivery to thechild. The system may further include a telephone interface, allowingfor remote actuation and programming of the system. The telephoneinterface and the audio, video and olfactory sub-systems are inelectrical communication with a controller, which is selectivelyuser-actuated and programmable.

These and other features of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a sensory stimulationdevice for a child according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the sensory stimulation device fora child according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view in section of the sensory stimulationdevice for a child according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the sensory stimulation device for a childaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of an olfactory subsystem of thesensory stimulation device for a child according to the presentinvention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistentlythroughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed towards a sensory stimulation device10, which provides a child or infant with user-controlled andprogrammable aural, visual and olfactory stimulation. As illustrated inFIG. 1, device 10 is adapted for mounting within crib 12 in a mannerthat will be described in greater detail below, with specific referenceto FIGS. 2 and 3. It should be understood that device 10 may be mountedexterior to the crib, and may further be mounted on any suitable supportsurface, including, for example, the floor, a wall, on a table or thelike. The lower wall of housing 36 may have an angled or beveled edge,allowing the housing 36 to be supported on a horizontal surface in amanner similar to a conventional picture frame when mounted exterior tothe crib. A separate releasable support may further be provided for usein combination with housing 36, allowing housing 36 to be mounted on ahorizontal surface, such as a tabletop. Housing 36 may further beprovided with actuated buttons, baby toys, rattles, mirrors and otheritems to amuse an infant.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the device 10 includes a housing 36, having afront wall and a rear wall. At least one support 14 is mounted on theupper end of the rear wall of housing 36 for supporting the device 10 onthe upper rail of a crib, as shown in FIG. 2. In the preferredembodiment, a pair of supports 14 are provided on either side of therear wall, and each support 14 has a substantially L-shaped contour forengaging the crib rail 46, as shown. It should be understood thatsupports 14 may be dimensioned and configured as needed to accommodatethe variation in thickness and contour of commercially available cribrails. Supports 14 may further be formed from a flexible yet resilientmaterial, allowing for adaptability to varying dimensions of crib rails.Further, supports 14 may be adjustable, both horizontally andvertically, with respect to housing 36, allowing for customized andadjustable positioning of the system 10 on rail 46.

A secondary crib attachment mechanism may further be provided, shown inFIG. 3 as a large threaded bolt 40 projecting rearwardly from the rearwall of housing 36. The bolt 40 projects through and between a pair ofadjacent vertical rails 44 of the crib 12, and a corresponding nut 42engages the bolt 40 to releasably secure the housing 36 to the crib 12.It should be understood that any suitable releasable fastener may beutilized to releasably secure the housing 36 to crib 12 or to any othersuitable support surface. Alternatively, the nut 42 may be in the formof a conical cap to cover the projecting end of bolt 40. Further, aseparate protective cap may be provided for covering the end of bolt 40.Bolt 40 may be pivotally joined to the housing 36 so that bolt 40 may befolded against the rear wall or, alternatively, folded into a recessformed within the rear wall during storage and transport of device 10.Alternatively, housing 36 may be adapted for mounting on a wall surface,or to a portable surface, such as a car seat, for example.

Although shown as being sized and contoured for the mounting of system10 on a child's crib, in the preferred embodiment, it should beunderstood that housing 36 may be dimensioned and configured formounting on any suitable surface, and for functionality other than forcrib-based sensory stimulation. As will be described in greater detailbelow, the system 10 includes a wide variety of sensory stimulationcapability, including olfactory stimulation. Housing 36 may be sized tofunction as, or to replace, a plug-in type air freshener. Further, thesystem 10 may be adapted for use in a wide variety of environments, suchas vehicles, with system 10 being powered by, for example, the vehicle'sbattery, through interconnection with the vehicle cigarette lighter.Alternatively, system 10 may be sized and adapted for usage as ahandheld device.

Additionally, the upper portion, or rear wall, of the housing 36 mayinclude recesses for receiving child-related articles, such as rattlesand the like. Further, securement devices, such as hooks, may be mountedon housing 36 for holding the child-related articles, thus allowingrattles, pacifiers and the like to be securely kept near the child in anorganized fashion.

Housing 36 includes opposing sidewalls with a projecting member 20 beingformed on one sidewall and a corresponding recess 21 being formed in theother sidewall. Multiple devices 10 may be linked together through thereleasable engagement of the projecting member 20 of a first device 10with the recess 21 of an adjacent device 10. As will be described below,device 10 may be actuated manually, automatically or remotely by a user.When multiple devices 10 are linked together, each device 10 may beassociated with, and actuated by, a particular user; i.e., a firstdevice 10 may be associated with (and, alternatively, have imprintedthereon) “Mommy”, for example, and a second device may be associatedwith (and, alternatively, have imprinted thereon) “Daddy”, with thesensory stimulation being customized for each user. Alternatively,projecting members 20 may be slidably mounted on housing 36, allowingfor selective height adjustment of each projecting member 20, so thatdevices 10 that are not vertically aligned may be releasably joinedtogether.

An opening 38 is formed through the front wall of housing 36. Althoughshown as being substantially rectangular in contour in FIG. 2, it shouldbe understood that opening 38 may have any desired shape or size. In thepreferred embodiment, however, the opening 38 is substantiallyrectangular in contour, having a width of approximately eight inches anda height of approximately ten inches. A screen 22 is mounted to aninterior surface of the front wall of housing 36 so that an image 24printed on screen 22 is visible to the child through opening 38. FIG. 2illustrates a static image 24 imprinted on screen 22. However, screen 22may be a flat panel display screen, such as a liquid crystal display,for example, allowing for animated video display. Screen 22 may furtherbe a touch screen, allowing for interactivity with system 10, inaddition to the actuation of buttons 28 (to be described in furtherdetail below). Additionally, in addition to screen 22, a visualprojector may be provided on housing 36, allowing for the projection ofvisual images onto a suitable surface, such as the ceiling above thechild's crib.

Although shown as having a cartoon-type image 24, it should beunderstood that any desired image may be imprinted on screen 22, andthat multiple screens 22 may be utilized, with the user selectivelychoosing a desired such screen to be mounted on support 60. The parent,or other caregiver, may use images of himself or herself in order togreater improve the child's visual association with himself or herself,even when the parent or caregiver is absent. As will be described ingreater detail below, the image of the parent or caregiver can becoupled with recorded audio messages, or with real-time telephoneconversations with the parent or caregiver in order to provide acomforting presence to the child in the absence of the actual parent orcaregiver. Standard photographs, such as typical 4″×6″ or 5″×7″ snapshotphotographs, may be mounted on screen 22.

As best shown in FIG. 3, a window 58 is preferably mounted to the frontwall within opening 38 to transparently cover screen 22. Window 58 maybe formed of clear or tinted transparent plastic, and is preferablyscratch-resistant. Window 58 may further cover wording or other indiciaetched or otherwise imprinted on housing 36 adjacent the opening 38, theindicia preferably being associated with the particular image displayedon screen 22.

In the preferred embodiment, the screen 22 is mounted on a support 60.The support 60 is preferably mounted at its upper end to the front wallby a pivotal joint 56, as shown. Thus, the support 60 and screen 22 maybe rocked back and forth (indicated by directional arrow 62) to provideadditional visual stimulation to the child. Alternatively, a poweredrotational drive system, such as a stepper motor, for example, may beadded, allowing for driven rotation of the screen 22. The rotationaldrive system would be in electrical communication with controller 70 (tobe described in greater detail below, with specific reference to FIG.4). As will be described in greater detail below, the support 60 mayalso have speakers 30 and scent chamber 34 mounted to a lower endthereof, allowing for the selective rotation of the lower assembly ofdevice 10. Thus, in addition to providing visual and tactile stimulationfrom the rocking of support 60, the support 60 may be angled to allowthe child better visual, auditory and olfactory access to the sensorystimulation. Alternatively, support 60 may be provided with a pivotalinterconnection formed along the lower end thereof, rather than alongthe upper edge. It should be understood that support 60 may further belocked into a desired angular position.

Support 60 preferably includes a recess for releasably securing thescreen 22 therein. In the non-pivoted configuration, screen 22 issandwiched between support 60 and window 58. Preferably, support 60 isformed from plastic or any other suitable material. If window 58 isformed from a tinted transparent plastic material, support 60 is alsopreferably formed from a dark material, thus enhancing contrast with theimage printed on screen 22.

A light source 26, which may be at least one light bulb, light emittingdiode, or the like, is mounted to the inner surface of the front wall ofhousing 36 adjacent the lower end of opening 38 as shown. The lightsource 26 selectively illuminates the screen 22 and is preferably incommunication with controller 70 for manual user and programmablecontrol thereof. Preferably, the light source 26 illuminates theentirety of screen 22. Preferably, light source 26 is positioned so thatlight from light source 26 will project through and along the plane ofthe window 58, thus providing enhanced visual effects, particularlyalong the outer perimeter of window 58. Alternatively, a separate lightsource, such as a night-light, may be mounted on the rear of housing 36,allowing the user to operate system 10 after the ambient room light hasbeen extinguished, for example, after the child has been put to bed.

A pair of speakers 30 are mounted to the housing 36, preferablypositioned below the opening 38, as shown. It should be understood,however, that speakers 30 may be mounted in any suitable location on oradjacent to housing 36. Although shown as having two speakers 30, itshould be understood that any desired number of speakers may be added.As will be described in greater detail below, speakers 30 selectivelyplay prerecorded or live, remotely transmitted audio clips and messagesfor the child.

A chamber 18 is formed in the upper portion of housing 36 and holds amicrophone 54, which may further include a protective microphone cover52. Microphone cover 52 may be a conventional microphone cover designedto filter ambient noise and improve the quality of the intended recordedaudio signal. Microphone 54 is in electrical communication withcontroller 70, an audio controller 72 (including a recording medium,such as random access memory, for example), and speakers 30, asillustrated in FIG. 4. The user may record audio messages through use ofmicrophone 54 for selective playback to the child through speakers 30.Further, the audio controller 72 may be coupled with other forms ofaudio storage and playback, such as cassette tape players and recorders,compact disc players, MP3 players and recorders, and CD-ROM storagedevices. If screen 22 is replaced with a liquid crystal display, such asthat described above, or any: other flat panel display, the audiocontent of prerecorded movies or other video clips may be played throughspeakers 30. Also, a radio receiver may be provided for receivingconventional radio content to be played to the child through speakers30. Other wireless content, such as that generated by a parent in thehousehold, may also be received by the unit.

An additional microphone may be provided in the lower portion of housing36, allowing the user to better hear the sounds generated by the infantwhen the infant is lying in the crib. Further, openings may be formedthrough the front wall of housing 36 adjacent the microphones forproviding enhanced sound transmission thereto.

A battery chamber 16 is formed within housing 36 adjacent the chamber18, as shown, for receiving a battery 68 for powering device 10. Batterychamber 16 may receive conventional batteries, such as AAA batteries or,alternatively, device 10 may be connected to a standard householdelectrical power supply, or to any other suitable power supply. A doormay be formed in housing 36, providing the user with selective access tochamber 16.

A scent chamber 34 is formed in the lower portion of housing 36, forhousing the scent delivery subsystem, illustrated in FIG. 5. Housing 36preferably has a door formed therein adjacent scent chamber 34,providing the user with access to the chamber 34. A scent source 110 isreceived within scent chamber 34 for producing scented air. Scent source110 may be the garment of a parent or any other material that creates apleasing scent for the infant. Alternatively, a cage may be providedeither within the chamber, or positioned adjacent the chamber on theexterior of the housing, for receiving the scent source 110. The cageincludes a door or other access, allowing the user to easily remove orreplace the scent source 110 therein.

A diaphragm 98 is mounted to extend vertically between an upper rail 92upon which the diaphragm 98 is slidably mounted and the floor of thechamber 34. Diaphragm 98 has an opening formed therethrough, allowingthe passage of air therethrough, so that when the diaphragm 98 is movedback and forth in a horizontal direction, air is drawn from theenvironment through a port 100 formed in the rear wall of housing 36 andthrough the opening formed through the diaphragm 98. Forward motion ofthe diaphragm 98 forces scented air generated by scent source 110through a forward port 32 formed through the front wall of housing 36.

The delivery of the scented air through forward port 32 to the child isunder user control and, preferably, may be programmed through controller70. Any suitable oscillating drive system may be utilized for thedelivery of the scented air. However, in the preferred embodiment, anoscillator circuit 90 receiving power through line 66 drives anelectromagnetic coil 88 to create an alternating magnetic field. Powermay be provided to the electromagnetic coil 88 in direct response toaudio input from the user, either through the microphone 54 or throughthe telephone 50. A sliding arm 96 is mounted below the rail 92, asshown, with the diaphragm 98 being mounted to arm 96, and extendingdownwardly therefrom, and a magnet 94 being further mounted thereon. Theoscillating magnetic field generates an oscillating magnetic force onfixed magnet 94, thus driving the diaphragm 98 in oscillating horizontaldirections.

Alternatively, a pre-packaged scent cartridge may be provided, allowingthe user to select a particular scent for insertion into chamber 34. Areservoir may further be formed within scent chamber 34 for receiving aliquid scented material, such as perfume or the like. Also, a fan may bemounted to the housing 36 to aid in the delivery of the scented air tothe child. Alternatively, housing 36 may be formed without an integralscent chamber 34. An auxiliary housing containing scent chamber 34 couldbe selectively added and removed from the housing 36.

It should be understood that any suitable scent delivery means may beutilized in system 10. For example, rather than the magnetically drivensystem described above, a passive scent diffusion system may be mountedwithin chamber 34. Alternatively, a fan or the like may be providedwithin chamber 34 for delivering the scented air to the child.

The chamber 18 further receives a telephone interface, which may be aconventional land telephone connection or, preferably, a port forinterconnection with a cellular telephone 50, as shown in FIG. 3.Cellular telephone 50 is connected, via interface line 48 to controller70 and to audio controller 72. A door may be formed in housing 36adjacent chamber 18, providing the user with accessibility to thetelephone 50 stored therein. As described above, the user may recordaudio messages through use of the microphone 54. Alternatively, the usermay remotely access the device 10 through use of the telephone 50. Themicrophone 54 is in communication with the audio controller 70 via line54, which feeds into the main control line 60. The telephone 50 is incommunication with main control line 60 via interface 48 and may beutilized to generate real-time audio messages, generated by a remoteuser, to be played on speakers 30. Alternatively, the user may remotelyrecord audio messages for later playback. Interface 48 preferablyconnects to telephone 50 through the cellular telephone's headphoneport. Alternatively, the unit may have a built-in cellular telephonecircuit or may be connected directly to a household telephone line,without the need for an additional telephone installed within thesystem.

Chamber 18 preferably prevents the telephone 50 from being seen by theinfant, thus allowing the child to associate the voice or other audiosignal with the image 24 or the scented air. Further, securing thetelephone 50 from the infant's grasp prevents accidental dislodging andactivation or deactivation of the telephone by the child, and furtherlimits the exposure of the child to possibly dangerous levels ofradio-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Additionally, chamber 18 maybe lined with metal walls, for example, in order to prevent leakage ofpotentially harmful electromagnetic radiation. Also, the combination ofthe microphone 54 and telephone 50 allows the user to remotely monitorthe sounds generated by the infant in a manner similar to localized babymonitors.

Further, through the telephonic interface, the user may remotely controlthe playback of prerecorded audio messages, illuminate light source 26,or operate the scent subsystem 120 through the remote generation ofcontrol signals, which are received and interpreted by controller 70.Also, the user may converse with the child through microphone 54 andspeakers 30 in a manner similar to a conventional speakerphone, orprogram a particular sequence of sensory stimulation for the child.Alternatively, control and programming of device 10 may be actuatedthrough an interface, which may be in the form of buttons or controls 28mounted on the housing 36. Button 28 may be actuated by the child forsimple control of the system, such as turning the system on and off,with more complex control, such as programming of a sensory stimulationsequence or actuation of a particular sensory stimulation device, beingcontrolled by the user. Further, pre-set routines or sequences ofsensory stimulation may be actuated by the child through actuation ofbutton 28 or the like. Controller 70 may include a learning subroutine,allowing for the system to record the child's preference and play backthe child's preferred sensory routine or routines.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, controller 70, which may be a microprocessor,computer or any suitable programmable control system, may be coupledwith timer circuits 86, 74, allowing for programming of a sequence ofsensory stimulation to be actuated at a particular time or at particulartime intervals. As will be described in further detail below, controller70 may be interconnected with external computer devices, includinghardware and peripherals. Preferably, controller 70 is a computercontroller which is compatible with commercial operating systems, suchas Microsoft® Windows®, for example.

The left “record” path in the system diagram of FIG. 4 allows the userto record audio messages through either the microphone 54 or through thetelephone 50, which are recorded in the memory of audio controller 72.Timer 86 allows the user to program either a specific time, or aspecific time interval, for the playback of the audio message to thechild. The central dashed line illustrates a direct connection betweentelephone 50 and the audio controller 72, allowing for real-timeconversation with the child, as described above. The timer circuits mayfurther be utilized for actuation of units 10, particularly whenmultiple systems 10 are provided. Individual ones of multiple systems 10may be actuated according to a pre-set time sequence.

The right “play” path of the system diagram of FIG. 4 illustrates thecontrolled playback of either the audio message described above, oractuation of the light source 26 and the scent subsystem 120. As notedabove, the screen 22 may alternatively be a flat panel display or thelike. In this alternative embodiment, controller 70 controls the visualplayback on the display. Timer 74, coupled with controller 70 and audiocontroller 72, allows for a user-programmed sequence of sensorystimulation to be actuated at a specific time, or at specific timeintervals. Alternatively, the user may remotely activate one or more ofthe sensory stimulation subsystems by generating control signals,through use of telephone 50.

In addition to the button or control 28, shown within the grasp of theinfant, a separate set of user interfaces may be mounted on the upperwall or rear wall of the housing, allowing the user to program andcontrol device 10, out of reach of the child. Button 28 may activate asimple subsystem, such as the illumination of light source 26, with morecomplex functions being controlled by the user-accessible or remoteinterfaces. Alternatively, in addition to wireless actuation throughcellular telephone 50, a separate remote control device may be utilizedfor actuation and programming of device 10.

Audio playback may be further customized, for example, including soundssimulating the sounds internal to a mother's womb, which would beparticularly soothing to a newborn infant. A volume control may befurther added, along with a variable intensity control, allowing thesound and light intensity to vary over time, either through manualcontrol or following a programmed routine. Gradual dimming of light andlowering of volume may be utilized to aid in the inducement of sleep.Further, the system can be programmed to produce a light intensityproportional to a volume level of ambient sound recorded by microphone54.

Further, the activation of light source 26 or of scent subsystem 120 maybe responsive to speech, either through direct voice activation viasound pickup through microphone 54, or through transmitted speech, viatelephone 50. Controller 70 may further be programmed with a set volumethreshold, so that light source 26 and/or scent subsystem 120 areactivated only when the ambient noise level, or the volume of speechdirected at the system, reach a preset threshold.

Also, referring to FIG. 3, support 60 is shown as being pivotally joinedto the housing 36, thus allowing the rotation of screen 22 therewith.Alternatively, light source 26, button 28, speakers 30 and scent chamber34 may all be joined to the lower portion of support 60, thus allowingfor the selective pivotal rotation of these components along with screen22. This configuration would allow the child to push the lower portionof the system, including the speakers and scent chamber, to generate therocking thereof. Thus, in this configuration, the visual, audio andolfactory stimulation would be coupled with tactile stimulation as well.

The remote actuation of system 10 allows for parents to maintain contactwith, and engage in activities with, their children, even when theparents are at work, traveling or otherwise not physically available.Despite physical absence, system 10 allows the child to form sensoryassociations with the parent or other caregiver through remote actuationof the system, and through real-time communication through the telephoneline. The system 10 may further be used as a telephone by the child,with actuation of the telephone being performed through actuation of oneor more buttons 28.

Also, the selective actuation of device 10, as opposed to an automaticsystem, which is operative dependent upon hearing a baby's cry, forexample, allows the parents or other caregivers to control theappropriate sensory stimulation, rather than having the child learnthrough Pavlovian techniques how to manipulate the actuation of thedevice.

Further, as noted above, screen 22 may be a flat panel display, capableof displaying movies, television, movie clips or other animated video.The system 10 may be coupled with a DVD player, television receiver,computer or other source of video signals. Further, the system may beused to selectively display digital photographs, which may be displayedaccording to a programmable routine. Selected video images may beprogrammed to be displayed along with related or accompanying selectedaudio and/or olfactory stimulation. The system may be provided with auniversal serial bus (USB) port, or other standard port for connectingsystem 10 to a computer, digital camera or the like. In addition tovisual playback and accompanying audio playback, the system 10 mayfurther include a radio receiver, allowing the child to listen to radiotransmissions through system 10.

A content filter may be provided with controller 70, allowing forparental control over the media content delivered to the child, such asthe pornography and violence filters typically provided with bothprogrammable television sets and Internet connections. Similarly,television-related hardware and/or programming could be provided withsystem 10 and interconnected with controller 70, such as, for example,digital recording devices or video game systems.

In addition to the connection of a digital camera or the like to thesystem 10 through the USB port (or similar interface), the digitalcamera or any other suitable video recording means may be interconnectedwith system 10 and controlled by controller 70 to record or transmitvideo images. Alternatively, cellular telephone 50 could be acamera-type cellular telephone, incorporating a digital camera. Inaddition to the recording and transmission of audio data, system 10could record and transmit complementary video data to the user. Aseparate display screen may be mounted on the housing, andinterconnected with the video source, allowing the user to aim and focusthe video source.

System 10 may further be utilized as an educational toy. For example,animal imagery may be imprinted on one or more buttons 28, and bydepressing the appropriate button, the audio subsystem will play a noiseassociated with the animal. The system 10, particularly when coupledwith a flat panel display 22, could further be coupled with a computerand/or to the Internet, allowing the child limited educational exposureto computer networks and systems. Educational and other functionalmodules or kits could be produced and provided for a variety of topicsand/or age groups. Interconnection with the Internet may be through thetelephone connection or may be accomplished through use of a separatemodem or router, or through use with a wireless router. Further,Internet features, such as instant and text messaging or Internettelephone communication, for example, may be provided, particularly foruse by older children. The unit may include cost effective, or free,Internet communication technology, such as, for example,voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP), such that communication, both toand from the child, is cost effective or free, without requiring thechild or parent to use the standard telephone line or the cellulartelephone.

These kits or modules would be specialized for a particular age group orfor a particular educational topic. The kits or modules would includememory interconnectable to controller 70, through the USB port or thelike, allowing system 10 to be programmed for particular functionality,such as utilizing the display screen for a simulation of fingerpainting, for example, or adding a computer peripheral, such as anelectronic instrument, to be coupled with the audio subsystem formusical educational purposes. Further, the buttons 28 may be customized,with removable indicia, for example, allowing the child to interact withcustomized programmable audio and/or video.

For example, images of animals could be provided for use with buttons28, and the child would depress the particular button with an image of achicken, for example, when the image of a chicken is displayed on screen22, or when the audio system plays a reproduction of a chicken clucking.Additionally, non-educational programming instructions could beprovided, allowing for set routines, as described above with regard tothe user programming system 10, to be downloaded to controller 70.Alternatively, electronic textbooks or the like may be stored in thememory for display to the child, or for audio playback to the childthrough the audio subsystem.

The kits or modules may include removable memory devices, such as smartcards, for example, which may further be used for the transfer of databetween system 10 and related computer hardware. Similarly, computerhardware and peripherals may be interconnected directly with system 10through the USB port or other suitable interfaces. In addition to theUSB or similar interface, a wireless interface may further be provided,allowing for interconnection with wireless peripherals, such as wirelesskeyboards, musical instruments and the like. Data may also betransmitted, through the wireless connection, to other data devices,such as personal digital assistants, for example.

Further, in addition to providing the user with audio and visualfeedback, any suitable desired sensors may additionally be mounted tothe housing. For example, a temperature sensor may be mounted to thehousing, allowing the user to either locally or remotely monitor theenvironmental temperature in the child's locale. The local temperatureand other data, such as the time or date, may further be displayed onscreen 22 or on other suitable display devices.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

1. A sensory stimulation device for a child, comprising: a housinghaving a front wall and a rear wall, the front wall having an openingand a scent port formed therethrough; a screen mounted to the housingand positioned within the opening formed through the front wall, thescreen displaying a user-selectable image; means for releasably securingthe housing to a crib; at least one microphone disposed in the housing;a recording medium for storing user-selectable audio data, the recordingmedium being in electrical communication with the at least onemicrophone; at least one speaker electrically connected with therecording medium for generating audio signals dependent upon theuser-selectable audio data; a scent chamber formed within the housing; ascent producing material disposed within the scent chamber for producingscented air; means for delivering the scented air to the child throughthe scent port; means for delivering user-selective control signals tothe means for delivering the scented air and to the recording medium;and a user interface in electrical communication with the means fordelivering user-selective control signals, the user interface allowingthe user to actuate and program the means for delivering user-selectedcontrol signals.
 2. The sensory stimulation device as recited in claim1, wherein said user interface comprises a telephone interface adaptedfor connection to a telephone line, allowing the user to remotelyactuate and program said means for delivering user-selected controlsignals.
 3. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited inclaim 1, wherein said screen has an upper end pivotally attached to saidhousing.
 4. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited inclaim 1, further comprising a light source for selectively illuminatingsaid screen, the light source being electrically connected to said meansfor delivering user-selected control signals.
 5. The sensory stimulationdevice for a child as recited in claim 1, wherein said means forreleasably securing the housing to the crib comprises a substantiallyL-shaped support member mounted to an upper portion of the rear wall ofsaid housing, the L-shaped support member being adapted for releasablereception of a horizontal rail of the crib.
 6. The sensory stimulationdevice for a child as recited in-claim 5, wherein said means forreleasably securing the housing to the crib further comprises: a boltmounted to a central portion of the rear wall of the housing andprojecting rearwardly therefrom, the bolt being adapted for insertionbetween a pair of adjacent vertical rails of the crib; and a nut forreleasably securing the bolt to the crib.
 7. The sensory stimulationdevice for a child as recited in claim 1, wherein said means fordelivering the scented air to the child through the scent port comprisesa diaphragm slidably mounted within said scent chamber, the diaphragmbeing selectively driven to force the scented air through the scentport.
 8. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim7, further comprising at least one rail mounted to an upper wall of saidscent chamber, the diaphragm having an upper end slidably mounted to theat least one rail.
 9. The sensory stimulation device for a child asrecited in claim 8, further comprising: a magnet mounted to the upperend of the diaphragm; and an oscillating electromagnet mounted withinsaid housing above the upper wall of said scent chamber for driving thediaphragm along an oscillating path, the oscillating electromagnet beingin communication with said means for delivering user-selective controlsignals.
 10. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited inclaim 1, wherein said recording medium is further adapted for storinguser-selectable video data, said screen being a display adapted fordisplaying the user-selectable video data.
 11. The sensory stimulationdevice for a child as recited in claim 1, further comprising atransparent window mounted in said housing, the window covering theopening formed through the front wall thereof.
 12. The sensorystimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, further comprisinga programmable timer in communication with said user interface.
 13. Thesensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid user interface comprises at least one user-actuatable buttonmounted to the front wall of said housing.
 14. The sensory stimulationdevice for a child as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a batterychamber formed within said housing; and at least one battery receivedwithin the battery chamber for providing electrical power to the sensorystimulation device.
 15. The sensory stimulation device for a child asrecited in claim 1, wherein said user interface comprises a telephoneinterface adapted for connection to a telephone line, allowing the userto remotely actuate and program said means for delivering user-selectedcontrol signals, said housing having a telephone chamber formed therein,the telephone interface being received within the telephone chamber. 16.The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 15,wherein the telephone interface comprises a cellular telephone.